Play's the Thing 2011: Archive

Introduction to Play's the Thing 2011 by Pat Kane, Conference Host

For 15 years now, I’ve been researching, advocating and practising play - our enduring principle of possibility and optimism in the human condition.

But it’s only in the last few years, with the rise to prominence of the “wellbeing” and “happiness” agendas in politics and society, that questions about creativity and flourishing have moved from the margins to the centre of debate.

We are increasingly aware that the standard economic models of prosperity and wealth are not delivering the satisfactions they promised - never mind the costs to our environment and health.

Placing “wellbeing” as an attainable goal of society is a real and important shift - but it can’t just remain an abstraction wielded by politicians and policy-makers.

We have to bring additional voices to the table who have already committed their lives to that shift - artists and writers, philosophers and psychologists, scientists and hackers, parents and players - and let them tell stories and give insights too. I’m delighted to be hosting this fascinating and important conference.

About Pat Kane
blog www.patkane.info.

Follow the links on the left for information on the Play's the Thing Conference 2011.

Videos of talks and workshops from the conference have been/will be uploaded to our Video Archive.